AMA News

AMA News

1979 Hall of Fame Awards

The Model Aviation Hall of Fame Awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to modeling. Awards are given for past as well as present-day contributions; candidates of all ages, periods, and aspects of the activity are considered.

Twenty-two nominations were considered in 1979. Five recipients were selected:

• John E. (Johnny) Clemens
• Claude McCullough
• L. Glen Sigafoose
• Matthew A. (Matty) Sullivan
• Bill Wisniewski

Nominations are admissible from anyone but must be submitted on a form available from AMA Headquarters. Recipients are selected from the nominations by the Award Committee.

The awards were initiated in 1969 under joint sponsorship of the Washington State Air National Guard and the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Joint sponsorship continued through 1971. From 1972 to the present the AMA has assumed sole responsibility for the program.

Since AMA took sole responsibility, the Hall of Fame Selection Committee has been composed of past AMA presidents. Most AMA presidents could qualify for the Hall of Fame (seven have been honored); no past president may vote for himself. The current committee, also known as the Council of Past Presidents, includes:

• Irwin G. Ohlsson (AMA President 1943–46)
• Kenneth G. Held (1950–51)
• Frank B. Bushey (1952)
• Keith H. Storey (1953–56)
• Claude McCullough (1957)
• Dr. Walter A. Good (1958–60)
• Peter J. Sotich (1961–62)
• John Worth (1963)
• Maynard L. Hill (1964)
• Clifford G. Weirick (1967–68)
• John E. Patton (1969–70)
• John E. Clemens (1971–78)

Walt Good has served as chairman.

Anyone wishing to submit a nomination for 1980 should request an application form in writing from AMA Headquarters and submit it before May 31, 1980.

Hall of Fame Descriptions — 1979 Winners

John E. (Johnny) Clemens, 67 Johnny Clemens has been a highly visible figure in aeromodeling for 58 years, catching the modeling bug in 1922. In 1940 he opened his hobby shop, The Hobby Counter, which he still heads. Prior to that he had been connected with one of the largest model airplane manufacturers, Comet Models, reputed to be among its earliest staff. Johnny has been actively involved in AMA contest management and district activities and held every elective or appointive office in the AMA prior to his election as AMA president in 1970. Internationally, he served as vice-president of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale's Committee for International Aeromodeling (CIAM) and as chairman of CIAM’s Information and Education Subcommittee.

L. Glen Sigafoose Glen Sigafoose has been instrumental in producing model kits and supporting youth programs. Notably, he produced the AMA Delta Dart kits for junior programs; over 250,000 Delta Darts have been provided on a non-profit basis. The list of aeromodeling activities he has supported is extensive. Glen credits the many people who helped him—particularly his team at Sig and his wife, Hazel—but he has been the center of the business and is the source of the Sig name.

Matthew A. (Matty) Sullivan (deceased August 10, 1979, age 68) Matty Sullivan founded Sullivan Products, Inc. in 1941. His Pylon Brand model accessories became widely used around the world. Though not active as a modeler in later years, his products and support made aeromodeling accessible to many. Matty was a certified Contest Director and helped run National Championships in the Philadelphia area. He generously donated products and other support to U.S. teams and foreign guests at AMA events, including vehicle and driver support at the 1974 AerOlympics in Lakehurst, N.J. He served on the Board of the Hobby Industry Association of America and received that organization’s Distinguished Service Award and Meritorious Award of Honor. The AMA honored him with Life Membership (No. L-6), an AMA Fellowship, and election to the Model Aviation Hall of Fame. Matty originated the AMA Scholarship Fund and was known for giving more than he received.

Bill Wisniewski, 51 Bill Wisniewski is widely regarded as a leading figure in Control Line (CL) Speed. He began competing locally and won Senior CL Speed at his first AMA Nationals in 1949. Born in Olympia, WA in 1929, he graduated from St. Martin’s High School at 15 and later from Northrop Institute as a certified aircraft and powerplant mechanic. At Northrop he worked on the N-156 and T-38 projects. Bill began developing engines in his garage around 1958 and created the famous Pink Lady speed model (developed in 1955). At K&B Manufacturing, where he worked full-time from 1960, he developed the Green Head Series of Torpedo engines and the Series 61 racing engines. Bill experimented with Schnuerle porting and designed the wart .15 engine that won the World Championships in 1964. In 1965 he and Roger Theobald developed the TWA (.15) speed engine. He designed geared monoline handles to comply with FAI rules and held all AMA CL Speed records at one time. At the 1966 World Championships he introduced the tuned pipe to model engines, producing speeds more than 20 mph faster than competitors; he gave a “chalk talk” on tuned pipes at the end of the event. He is the only modeler to win CL Speed at the World Championships twice in succession. In 1972 K&B produced Wisniewski-developed rear-exhaust engines. One of Bill’s notable designs is the K&B 3.5cc outboard marine power package and its “flexdrive” lower unit. When Bill begins work on a new engine, he does it hands-on—sticking aluminum bar stock into a lathe or a milling machine.

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President's OUTLOOK

Earl F. Witt 26 Warwick Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201

Noise Complaints

Reports indicate flying fields are often lost due to noise complaints, typically described as "annoyance" or "public nuisance." These complaints frequently concern planes flying over others' property or operating at inappropriate times, not necessarily high decibel levels at the complainant’s location. The annoyance may be related to the constantly varying frequency or Doppler effect—the apparent change in frequency as source and observer move relative to each other. Many municipal noise codes adopted in recent years set property-line decibel limits higher than model airplane sound at that distance, effectively legalizing model airplane noise in large fields. If a club has lost a flying site or faced legal action for exceeding a decibel level, please send details including the decibel level and measurement distances.

Mail to the President

Send correspondence needing the President’s attention to the address above. AMA elected officers do not maintain an office at Headquarters, and mail sent there may be forwarded, causing delays or loss of sender addresses. Use the home address under this column.

NATS Planning

The Western Ohio Radio Control Society (WORKS) has received strong local support for the Nationals in Wilmington, OH. Local motels are booking fast; camping facilities are being expanded and a dump station prepared for motor homes. Pilots flying private planes to Wilmington may tie down for no charge during the meet. Kings Island Amusement Park plans special Nationals tickets with reduced admission and possible special transportation. The Nationals Executive Committee meeting in Dayton was organized quickly after a conference call; special interest groups were inadvertently overlooked in the rush. The President apologizes and affirms that special interest groups should have input in Nats planning.

Headquarters Relocation

Time is critical for deciding on Headquarters relocation. Renewing the AMA lease at the present location may be more than double the current rate and nearly twice the cost of buying the Springfield facility. After deferring the Springfield proposal, a committee studied auxiliary costs and alternative sites. The committee will report on two alternatives at the next Council meeting: one near Reston, VA, and another in the Orlando, FL area. The Reston proposal reportedly compares favorably with Springfield.

Contest Directors

Letters have been received regarding the Council decision to restrict free memberships for Contest Directors (CDs). Council members consider the action "overkill" to prevent abuse of the free-CD program. The matter will be revisited; the action may be modified or eliminated with other measures to prevent abuse.

Air Show Teams

At the April 12 Toledo R/C Exposition, an Interim Show Team Advisory Committee was appointed to address show team problems and develop a continuing committee with rotating membership. The committee is to recommend guidelines for the show team program; recommendations will be submitted to other AMA Show Teams for approval. For 1980, the Chairman is Jack Salmon (Alpha Squadron). Committee members are Alvah Schaeffer (Flying Dutchmen Aero Team), David Baum (Spirit of America Show Team), Keith Penner (Cedar Rapids Skyhawks), and Gary Tatasciore (Bama Flyers).

Toledo Expo

The 26th annual Toledo R/C Expo drew record crowds. An additional aisle made crowds tight and reduced model displays; plans are underway to revert to fewer aisles and more displays next year. New manufacturers continue to enter the hobby. Notable entries included Airtronics (as a division separate from Cox) and Circus Circus entering the hobby supply field. The Toledo Auction featured lively fun; a prank involving a smoke bomb inside an empty transmitter briefly alarmed the coordinator.

Magazine Controversy

Following announcement that the Executive Council planned to review the mandatory magazine issue, Model Aviation sent a random survey to 3,000 AMA members implying that if the magazine returned to optional status it might be more expensive. The Executive Council has not decided that higher cost would be the only alternative should the magazine go optional.

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AMA News — Secretary-Treasurer's Report

Jim McNeill AMA Secretary-Treasurer 617 South 20th Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205

• Richard A. Black (Richardson, TX) opposed the Council ruling requiring attendance of 50 or more contestants for a Contest Director to receive a free AMA license the following year. Jim McNeill voted against the measure; the Council is trying to thwart freeloaders submitting spurious contest results. Readers are invited to comment on what would be a fair contestant number to earn a free AMA license.

• James R. Dean reported a membership card delivery problem after paying dues; Headquarters is addressing duplicate card issuance.

• Robert Skelton questioned proposals by Horace Cain to move AMA Headquarters from Washington, DC. Horace Cain has raised concerns about high rent and high salaries in the area.

• Horace Cain asked why the $30,000-a-year comptroller and the Technical Director were at the Toledo Trade Show performing counter sales. Jim McNeill noted such attendance was likely for public relations, allowing the modeling public to meet key AMA personnel.

• John Streyle (Isabel, SD) reported missing magazine issues; the address mix-up between Minnesota and South Dakota was corrected and magazines were resent.

If you have membership or mailing problems, write to the Secretary-Treasurer.

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The Hall of Fame Roster

1969

• Walt Billett
• Willis Brown
• Carl Goldberg
• Walt Good
• Charles H. Grant
• Jim Walker
• Frank Zaic

1970

• Dick Korda
• Al Lewis
• Bill Winter

1972

• Howard McEntee

1973

• O. C. Randall

1974

• W. L. (Bill) Brown
• W. R. Enyart
• Irwin Polk
• Nat Polk
• Sal Taibi

1975

• Harold (John) Alden
• Jim Kirkland
• Irwin G. Ohlsson
• Walt Schroder
• C. O. Wright

1976

• Harold DeBolt
• Frank Ehling
• Merrill Hamburg
• Chester Lanzo
• Henry Struck

1977

• John Brodbeck
• Maynard Hill
• Bert Pond
• Pete Sotich
• Ken Willard

1978

• Duke Fox
• Phil Kraft
• E. T. Packard
• Leon Shulman
• John Worth

1979

• John E. Clemens
• Claude McCullough
• L. Glen Sigafoose
• Matty Sullivan
• Bill Wisniewski

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AMA Club Report: 1979–80

As of December 31, 1979, 46 clubs had memberships of 100 or more. The Orange Coast RC Club regained its position as the largest AMA club.

Top clubs (club — state — members):

• Orange Coast RC Club, CA — 398
• Pioneer RC Club, CA — 301
• BIRDS, Inc., CA — 203
• Bobbing Hawks RC Flyers, WA — 200
• Valley Forge Signal Seekers, PA — 195
• Rockland Co. RC Club, NY — 179
• Sky Masters RC Club, MI — 179
• Richardson RC Club, TX — 169
• Greater Cincinnati RC Club, OH — 166
• So. Alameda Co. RCers, CA — 160
• Mid-Hudson RC Society, NY — 159
• Greater Pittsburgh Aero RCers, PA — 155
• Tulsa Glue Dobbbers, OK — 155
• Manned Spacecraft RC Club, TX — 154
• Tidewater RC Club, VA — 148
• DC/RC, MD — 148
• Suncoast Aeromodelers, FL — 147
• Northern Virginia RC Club, VA — 145
• Chicagoland RC Modelers, IL — 141
• Milwaukee Flying Electrons, WI — 139
• South Shore RC Club, MA — 138
• Capitol Area Radio Drone Squadron, MD — 136
• Central Jersey RC Club, NJ — 132
• Denver RC Eagles, CO — 129
• Fort Wayne Flying Circuits, IN — 128
• Goodyear Model Aircraft Club, OH — 126
• Aero Radio Club, MI — 125
• St. Paul Model R/C Club, MN — 123
• Model Museum Flying Club, CA — 118
• Wave Masters RC Club, CA — 117
• Blue Angel MAC, NY — 117
• Twin City RC Racers, MN — 116
• Prince George's RC Club, MD — 116
• Mentor Area RC Club, OH — 113
• JEFFCO Aeromodelers, CO — 112
• Cape Ann RC Model Club, MA — 111
• No. Connecticut RC Club, CT — 111
• Adams RC Society, TX — 109
• East Bay RC Club, CA — 108
• Western Ohio Radio Kontrol Society, OH — 107
• Spirit of St. Louis RC Club, MO — 107
• Chula Vista Model & RC Club, CA — 106
• San Fernando Valley Flyers, CA — 106
• Suburban Aero Club, IL — 104
• Gold Coast RCers, FL — 104
• Thundervolts RC Club, NY — 101

Membership distribution by club size:

• 1–24 members — 877 clubs
• 25–49 — 343 clubs
• 50–74 — 129 clubs
• 75–99 — 48 clubs
• 100–124 — 19 clubs
• 125 and up — 27 clubs

Total clubs: 1,443

SAFE FLYING IS NO ACCIDENT

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District Reports

District III (continued)

• Presented the AMA Award of Excellence to Rick Lederman, Weak Signals president, in appreciation of the club's efforts.
• Presented the AMA Superior Service Award to Don Lowe, predecessor as District III VP.
• The Northgate (Cincinnati) show under Gayle Rotsching drew nearly 500 entries.
• Flying season and the Nationals at Wilmington are approaching—plan to attend as spectator, competitor, or volunteer.

Gear Down and Locked.

District IV Report

Chuck Foreman District IV Vice-President 607 Pohite Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• Wayne Abernethy, Hillside, MD
• Bob Chapman, Newport News, VA
• Howard Crippin, Charlottesville, VA
• V. Bill Helms, Charlotte, NC
• Scotty Moyer, Wilmington, DE
• John Preston, Falls Church, VA
• Charles Spear, Mocksville, NC

Notes:

• The Toledo Show highlighted growing interest in Monster Scale and model helicopter products.
• Winter ended and District IV activity is picking up; mail shows are scheduled and draw new members.
• New AVP for North Carolina: Charlie Speer replaces Paul Yacobucci, who stepped down due to work demands. Charlie is active in RC and sailplane activity and serves as a Contest Director.

Possible Flying Sites:

• AMA Headquarters will send a list of abandoned airports (from FAA) that may be ideal flying sites; list includes location and owner's name.

Council Meeting in May:

• A Council meeting is scheduled; expected topics include hiring a flying-site procurement/coordinating employee and Headquarters location.

1980 Nationals:

• Nationals will be held in Wilmington, OH, August 10–17. Local recreation areas make it a family event.

What's Happening in District IV:

• Eastern Soaring League: contests planned at Manassas, Fentress, Copeland Park, and Fort Lee, VA.
• Kent County Aeromodelers (Dover, DE) created a Beginner Information and Assistance Sheet for new pilots.
• Tidewater Model Soaring Society: June 28–29 event changed to the Regions National Society Soar-in at Fentress.
• LSF Tournament (Aug 23–24) will not be at Fort Lee; a new site is being located.

1980 Quickie 500 Schedule:

• June 8 — CCRC — Bob Snyder, Bill Nesbitt
• July 20 — PGRC — Roger Binger
• Aug. 3 — PGRC — TBA
• Sept. 14 — PGRC — Fred Melton
• Oct. 5 — CCRC — Bill Nesbitt, Bob Snyder

Notable Club Events:

• Winston-Salem RC Club: Jim Dull’s Cross-State Race (Sept. 13; rain date Sept. 20), takeoff at the Virginia line on I-77 at 9 a.m., approximately 110 miles.
• Meade Modelers (Fort Meade, MD): Air show July 4, 12 noon–5 p.m., Range No. 3, free admission.
• Charles County Radio Control Club: two-day all-Scale contest July 12–13 — Sport Scale, Team Scale, and Giant Scale events; Doug Moran CD.

District V Report

Bill Mathews District V Vice-President 311 Poinciana Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209

Associate Vice-Presidents:

• John Godfrey, Jackson, MS
• Richard Jackson, Charleston Heights, SC
• Arthur Johnson, Delray Beach, FL
• Phillip McDowell, Jacksonville, FL
• Joseph Mirabella, Sr., Fajardo, PR
• Ed Moerman, Eglin AFB, FL
• Harry Silverman, Birmingham, AL
• Tom Thacker, Decatur, GA

Notes:

• Spring has increased sport, fun, and contest flying; meeting attendance is up in many clubs (e.g., Chattanooga RC Club had 47 members at a meeting).
• Western Carolina Radio Control Sky Hawks started a newsletter; Ocilla Cloud Busters also began publishing (with some Spanish-language content).
• Puerto Rico modelers and clubs are active; the Borinquen RC Club recently held a Pattern contest. (Races on July 20 and Sept. 14 to include Standard Class Formula 1).

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Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.